Sources and sinks of atmospheric N2O and the possible ozone reduction due to industrial fixed nitrogen fertilizers

The terrestrial and marine nitrogen cycles are examined in an attempt to clarify how the atmospheric content of N₂O is controlled. We review available data on the various reservoirs of fixed nitrogen, the transfer rates between the reservoirs, and estimate how the reservoir contents and transfer rates can change under man's influence. It is seen that the sources, sinks and lifetime of atmospheric N₂O are not understood well. Based on our limited knowledge of the stability of atmospheric N₂O we conclude that future growth in the usage of industrial fixed nitrogen fertilizers could cause a 1% to 2% global ozone reduction in the next 50 years. However, centuries from now the ozone layer could be reduced by as much as 10% if soils are the major source of atmospheric N₂O.